<p data-end="568" data-start="388">Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.</p>

<p data-end="803" data-start="570">Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.</p>

<p data-end="1041" data-start="805">The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.</p>

<p data-end="1239" data-start="1043"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.</p>

<p data-end="1239" data-start="1043">[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]</p>

<p data-end="1459" data-start="1241">Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.</p>

<p data-end="1582" data-start="1461">Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.</p>

<p data-end="1777" data-start="1584">"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.</p>

<p data-end="2018" data-start="1779">"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.</p>

<p data-end="2245" data-start="2020">"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."</p>

<p data-end="2245" data-start="2020">[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]</p>

<p data-end="2438" data-start="2247">A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.</p>

<p data-end="2577" data-start="2440">Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.</p>

<p data-end="2772" data-start="2579">The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.</p>

<p data-end="2245" data-start="2020">[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]</p>

<p data-end="2245" data-start="2020">Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.</p>

<p data-end="2996" data-start="2932">"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.</p>

<p data-end="3264" data-start="2998">"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."</p>

<p data-end="3384" data-start="3266">Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.</p>

<p data-end="3531" data-start="3386">"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.</p>

<p data-end="3823" data-start="3533">"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."</p>

<p data-end="3823" data-start="3533">[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]</p>

<p data-end="3986" data-start="3825">Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.</p>

<p data-end="4199" data-start="3988">Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.</p>

<p data-end="4370" data-start="4201">Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.</p>

<p data-end="4516" data-start="4372">"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.</p>

<p data-end="4717" data-start="4518">"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.</p>

<p data-end="4883" data-start="4719">"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."</p>

<p data-end="4947" data-start="4885">The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.</p>

<p data-end="4947" data-start="4885">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]</p>


Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

<p>New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.</p>

<p>The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.</p>

<p>Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]</p>

<p>Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.</p>

<p>Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.</p>

<p>“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.</p>

<p>“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”</p>

<p>The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.</p>

<p><img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" /></p>

<p>Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.</p>

<p>Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.</p>

<p>Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.</p>

<p>“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.</p>

<p>“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”</p>

<p>“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”</p>

<p><img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" /></p>

<p>Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.</p>

<p>It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.</p>

<p>Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.</p>

<p>Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.</p>

<p>Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.</p>


Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

<p>Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.</p>

<p>Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.</p>

<p>Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.</p>

<p><img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" /></p>

<p>Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.</p>

<p>The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.</p>

<p>The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.</p>

<p>Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.</p>

<p>The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.</p>

<p><img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" /></p>

<p>Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.</p>

<p>The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.</p>

<p>A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.</p>

<p>A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.</p>

<p><img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.</p>

<p>Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.</p>

<p>The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.</p>


First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

<p>An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.</p>

<p>Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.</p>

<p>Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]</p>

<p>All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.</p>

<p>The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]</p>

<p>A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.</p>

<p>OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.</p>

<p>“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.</p>

<p>“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]</p>

<p>La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.</p>

<p>ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.</p>

<p>“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.</p>

<p>“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”</p>

<p>Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.</p>

<p>“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.</p>

<p>“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”</p>

<p>The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]</p>

<p>Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.</p>

<p>The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.</p>

<p>The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.</p>

<p>Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]</p>


ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.</p>

<p>Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.</p>

<p>The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]</p>

<p>"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.</p>

<p>Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.</p>

<p>"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]</p>

<p>That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.</p>

<p>Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.</p>

<p>Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]</p>

<p>Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.</p>

<p>They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.</p>

<p>The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.</p>

<p>"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]</p>

<p>The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.</p>

<p>With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.</p>

<p>A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.</p>

<p>Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]</p>


Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Queensland

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<p>As a cricket tragic, I was thrilled a little over a year when we named our son Stanley, being in part a subtle or oblique reference to one end of the Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane (I felt a reference to the old Clem Jones stand - or even 'Sir Gordon Chalk'! - might have been pushing it...).  </p>
<p>There's been a tremendous amount of excitement in Brisbane this week as the English cricket team is in town to the play the first Test Match of the historic Ashes series.</p>
<p>The view of the Stanley Street End skyline today takes in many cranes, as well as the imposing $85 million Trafalgar Residences, a 20-storey apartment block at 855 Stanley Street (being a new development since the last time an Ashes test was played here). </p>
<p>Looking back towards the opposite Vulture Street End of the ground, the television cameras picked up the apartments advertised for sale and for rent at 444 Vulture Street, where apartments are advertised for rent from $360/week for one bedroom units, and from $750/week and above for three bedders. </p>
<p>At this stage of the construction cycle there's a risk of vacancy rates being understated as a single online advertisement can account for multiple new apartments.</p>
<p>The ubiquitous offers of rent-free periods for tenants, free internet (and so on) in Woolloongabba apartments reflect the clear weakness in the rental market. </p>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itoxPPGm1ZU/WhhpS_l1dYI/AAAAAAAAnKI/hBj0N50WViseRcD2sqxmCuyVuHD7le_gACLcBGAs/s1600/Gabba1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itoxPPGm1ZU/WhhpS_l1dYI/AAAAAAAAnKI/hBj0N50WViseRcD2sqxmCuyVuHD7le_gACLcBGAs/s640/Gabba1.jpg" width="640" height="626" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="624"></a></p>
<p>In a moment of wry amusement, even match commentator Damien 'Flemo' Fleming was moved to mention the glut of new building in the suburb, a rare yet curiously welcome departure from the discussion of Bowlology, the Fast Bowling Cartel, and heavy metal music!</p>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwaK2bL-bhM/WhhpTYP9BVI/AAAAAAAAnKM/CXCbpcod3xwCNIMN83h-Q9pJqS4XiN2nwCLcBGAs/s1600/Gabba2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwaK2bL-bhM/WhhpTYP9BVI/AAAAAAAAnKM/CXCbpcod3xwCNIMN83h-Q9pJqS4XiN2nwCLcBGAs/s320/Gabba2.jpg" width="640" height="318" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1320"></a></p>
<p><strong>Avenue of apprehension</strong></p>
<p>The new high-rise apartment market can be a risky one for buyers, in part because the apartments can lack uniqueness or scarcity value, and partly because the duration of projects can span several years from approval to completion, at which point the market can suddenly become swamped with new supply. </p>
<p>This cycle has played host to Queensland's greatest ever apartment construction boom, eclipsing even the post-recession boom of the early 1990s, although far fewer houses have been built this time around.</p>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjQ48qj4NHU/WhhqQDIpq8I/AAAAAAAAnKg/eyFCJfPOSPscNdjqj93ghMJRqPEMfBGNQCLcBGAs/s1600/A.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjQ48qj4NHU/WhhqQDIpq8I/AAAAAAAAnKg/eyFCJfPOSPscNdjqj93ghMJRqPEMfBGNQCLcBGAs/s640/A.jpg" width="640" height="394" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1347"></a></p>
<p>As we have seen in Perth since 2014, the long lead times mean that by the time projects are completed demand may have slowed significantly.</p>
<p>In fact, until relatively recently Western Australia was seeing the number of new dwelling completions exceed the growth in headcount, as population growth had slowed so dramatically, resulting in a surge of rental vacancies and falling rents. The city of Darwin went down a similar path.</p>
<p>Queensland has suffered from this dynamic too, albeit to a lesser extent. The good news for Brisbane landlords is that the Queensland economy, employment growth, and thus the three components of demographic change (natural growth, net overseas migration, and net interstate migration) are now aligning to create faster population growth. </p>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqk7AYTwwy4/WhhqPgZCVuI/AAAAAAAAnKc/VKtFnrAI48s2-ZhHd6JsQEtpu2i0EQR_wCLcBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqk7AYTwwy4/WhhqPgZCVuI/AAAAAAAAnKc/VKtFnrAI48s2-ZhHd6JsQEtpu2i0EQR_wCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="388" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1363"></a></p>
<p>Meanwhile new apartment commencements are slowing to a crawl, helping to rebalance the market over time.</p>
<p>The Brisbane apartment market is heading back towards equilibrium eventually, then, but 2018 will nevertheless be a splendid year for renters, especially in some of these inner-city unit markets. </p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Apartment glut on the Gabba's skyline obvious even to the Channel 9 cricket commentary team: Pete Wargent

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<p>Queensland's housing markets are expected to rank among the best performing across Australia during 2019 as they have the key factors that drive growth – liveability, affordability, booming infrastructure and enhanced economic prospects.</p>
<p>The Sunshine State leads the nation when it comes to confidence in residential property, as the gears shift from recovery to rising prices.</p>
<p>The NAB Residential Property Index recently tipped Queensland house prices will grow the fastest of the nation over the next two years.</p>
<p>The survey of more than 300 property professionals confirmed rising sentiment around the Queensland markets. And these property professionals also saw Queensland leading the way when it comes to rental growth.</p>
<p>South East Queensland is tipped to be the prime beneficiary of Sydney and Melbourne’s property slowdown, with the state possibly set to return to its place as Australia’s No 1 destination for interstate migration, as more families and downsizers from the southern cities cash-in for a lifestyle in the sun.</p>
<p>2018 saw strong price growth across Queensland, from suburbs of Brisbane to the coastal localities.</p>
<p>Economic growth and jobs now assisting the property market’s performance as Queensland emerges from the shadow of the mining downturn. </p>
<p>It is the value gap between the East coast capitals that makes the move compelling for many.</p>
<p>The value gap is the largest it has ever been between Brisbane and Melbourne and the largest in 15 years with Sydney, according to CoreLogic.</p>
<p>A typical house in Brisbane is around $393,000 cheaper than Sydney and $227,000 cheaper than Melbourne, with Brisbane's median sitting at $542,000.</p>
<p>Observers suggest this affordability, coupled with positive economic signs, means Queensland is primed for future growth. </p>
<p>The increasing opportunity to work remotely, having set up a home business, or taking up a new job in Queensland is a do-able option.</p>
<p>Brisbane's median house price sits at new highs, after posting a 2.3 percent increase in the September quarter, with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) CEO Antonia Mercorella saying the strength of growth proved that Queensland real estate was a good investment and could be relied upon to deliver capital growth.</p>
<p class="x_x_paragraph-one"><span class="x_x_inline-color">“While other markets around the country are struggling in the face of tightened lending criteria and cooling investor appetite, the southeast corner of Queensland continues to deliver steady, sustainable growth,” Mercorella said.</span></p>
<p class="x_x_paragraph-one"><span class="x_x_inline-color">“Queensland’s economy is proving itself to be a good performer, against a backdrop of national gloom, with new jobs bringing population growth and demand for housing</span>."</p>
<p>The REIQ found coastal Queensland locations ranking as the state's strongest performers during 2018.</p>
<p>These included Mackay's housing market which has come back from the mining downturn to post 5.6 percent annual growth in its median house price, according to the REIQ's late 2018 figures.</p>
<p>"We are confident this growth can continue for the moment," the REIQ advised.</p>
<p>The region has the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.3 percent, while the population is growing as jobs attract workers back to the region and the rental market is one of the tightest in the state with just 0.9 per cent vacancy.</p>
<p>With a $340,000 median house price, Mackay is still one of the most affordable coastal districts, with prices still at levels below the peak of the mining boom five years ago.</p>
<p>The tightening of bank lending standards has been seen across Queensland, as noted by the latest SEQ report by Ray White on house and land sales.</p>
<p>Despite this there has been an increase in house and land package prices, up 7.8 percent in Brisbane, up 5.05 percent on the Gold Coast sales and 4.99 percent on the Sunshine Coast where house and land package are a popular way to create a new start.</p>
<p>Estate agent John McGrath noted recently that Queensland’s top two regional performers were the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast due to rising demand from interstate home owners and investors. </p>
<p>One of McGrath's pinpointed suburb's to look out for in 2019 was Pimpama, in the northern part of the Gold Coast.</p>
<p>Pimpama recorded Queensland’s fastest population growth at 31 percent in FY17, with many enthusiastically buying or building brand new homes.</p>
<p>"Pimpama is affordable with a median house price of $475,000 and is located within the rapidly developing northern Gold Coast region along the M1 corridor," McGrath said.</p>
<p>The $100 million Pimpama City Shopping Centre opened in 2018 and the $56 million Northern Gold Coast Sports and Community Precinct is set to open in 2020.</p>
<p>There's also plans for a new train station to better connect Pimpama to Surfers Paradise.</p>
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<p> <br>The economic forecaster BIS Oxford Economics concluded Brisbane will lead the mainland capitals with price growth.</p>
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<p><strong>JUST ADDED</strong></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Queensland to rank among best state markets in 2019

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<p><em>Hi Margaret, just wondering if things have changed in the Lockyer Valley and whether it is a growth area and worth looking at from a long term investment perspective?</em></p>
<p>Answer: </p>
<p>When you make that decision to invest in property, there is much more to consider than whether an expert is predicting whether an area will make a good investment, or not.</p>
<p>You see, working out whether an area has the potential to be a good investment is a little like asking how long is a piece of string – that also depends upon the piece of string, and who cut it in the first place. </p>
<p>You must start by establishing a few things about yourself – the time till you will need to realise this investment, the personal cash flows you can afford to support along the way, and how much is your borrowing capacity.  You also need to know whether your immediate reliance will be on growth, giving you equity quickly to be able to buy more property, or on cash flow – providing enough rental return to enable you to stay in the market and make your loan repayments and meet expenses.</p>
<p>Some investors have plenty of equity in their own home which allows them to buy more than one property, and so they can afford to wait for growth and buy in areas which may be a little more speculative or long term.  Such areas, as long as they have the correct growth drivers, will grow in the long term and probably get pretty good rent returns in the short term. </p>
<p>Other investors have no equity or little in the way of deposits, and so each and every purchase must grow immediately, or they won’t be able to add to their portfolio.  Always remember that to make money from property you need to buy more than one, and so it is important to really understand what you can afford both in terms of supporting the property financially in the short term and seeing it grow in the longer term.</p>
<p>Once you know this you can establish what you can afford, whether you need a higher or a lower rental yield and if you can wait until the longer term for that important growth to occur.  Make no mistake, cash flow is important but if the property never grows, it’s most likely not worth the time and effort to buy it.</p>
<p>In terms of the Lockyer Valley, it’s a growing area, but it’s on a very slow burn and, in my opinion, will be so for some time.  Considered the ‘salad bowl’ of Southern Queensland, there’s still quite a way to go until the population mass reaches the critical point where super infrastructure begins to be built, population explodes and the micro economy burgeons.  I have no doubt that, over the longer term this is an area which can deliver some reasonable results, but that term is going to be quite lengthy.</p>
<p>It’s now up to you to determine whether you can speculate long enough and wait for this growth, or whether an area with more assured growth, sooner (albeit one which may have relatively lower yields) is more up your alley.</p>
<p> <span>Have a property question? </span><span><em> </em><a href="mailto:%20&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20/n%20&lt;/script&gt;&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20%20&lt;/script&gt;This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20%20&lt;/script&gt;" target="_blank"><span><em>Ask Margaret!</em></span></a></span></p>
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

Property market in Laidley, Gatton and Lockyer Valley: Ask Margaret 

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<p class="Body"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The image-makers who groom politicians think we’re simplistic creatures easily led. Primary school mantras like “stop the boats” will get us every time, apparently. Of course, if they were right, no one would ever lose an election.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p class="Body">Queensland’s Premier Anna Palaszczuk, not the sharpest tool in the political shed, clearly thinks the “jobs, jobs, jobs” song sheet is the best one to sing from. She and her ministers are chanting this mantra in front of cameras every day.</p>
<p class="Body">But it doesn’t matter how good the song, if the singer is tone deaf it’s still going to jar with the listener.</p>
<p class="Body">So the Premier’s big pitch to justify a mining lease to Indian corporate villain Adani for a mega-billion coal mine - jobs for Queenslanders, jobs for locals, jobs for everyone north of the NSW border - had a hollow sound. You could see in her delivery at the press conference that she didn’t really believe it herself.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p class="Body">She is no doubt aware of Adani’s track record of being big on rhetoric and small on delivery. Already the company is pulling back from earlier statements about starting work and there is unlikely to be any action in the next 12 months.</p>
<p class="Body">The company won’t even make the key investment decision until some time in 2017. It has been unable to find a bank willing to lend for the project and there will continue to environmental opposition and court challenges.</p>
<p class="Body"> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">As one major newspaper commented: “Much is the wailing and gnashing of teeth at the move by the Queensland government to approved the project, but this approval is entirely political. It’s all about the appearance of commitment to jobs – jobs that will never occur unless the coal price doubles.”</span></p>
<p class="Body">If and when the project goes ahead, the modern trend of flying in your workers from distant locations and accommodating them in temporary workers camps will seriously dilute the economic and property market benefits in Central Queensland.</p>
<p class="Body">To recap, this week the Queensland Government issued the mining lease Adani needs to proceed with its Carmichael mega coal mine in the Galilee Basin. I’ve seen many different cost estimates for this project, anywhere between $8 billion and $15 billion.</p>
<p class="Body">Whichever way you look at it, it’s a massive project. The proponent says there will be 4,875 jobs in building and operating the mine, plus 1,520 jobs in building and operating the rail link to Abbot Point. There will be, allegedly, a $4.1 billion boost to the economy.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p class="Body">But can we believe the numbers about jobs and economic benefits, and will it make any difference to ailing property markets in Central Queensland?</p>
<p class="Body">The mine site is a long way from major population centres. This will be a FIFO operation with temporary accommodation camps set up close to the mine. And we’ve seen what happens to local towns when mining companies bypass the local communities and hire workers from outside the area, flying them in from distant locations.</p>
<p class="Body">Moranbah, Gladstone and Emerald are examples. All attracted major development of new dwellings from builders who expected rising demand for local houses and services, not understanding that most would be flying in and staying in camps. Massive oversupply resulted, causing rents and property values to fall.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p class="Body">The existence of major resources developments puts pressure on local towns, for example its medical services - but they derive few of the benefits because most of the workers don’t live locally and they don’t spend locally. They take their fat pay packets back home, which might be Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Sydney or Perth.</p>
<p class="Body">So the core message is that there will be no property boom, if and when Adani eventually does go ahead with its mega project.</p>
<p class="Body">And, in terms of jobs for locals – there will be few, if any.</p>
<p class="Body"><em>Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a></em></p>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

No property boom from Queensland's latest FIFO mining project: Terry Ryder 

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<p>Each fortnight I update my chart of the titles registry figures for Queensland, although I don't post the results here all that often.</p>
<p>When figures aren't seasonally adjusted, it pays to be wary of drawing conclusions from individual weeks or months of data. </p>
<p>After all how many times have new home sales figures "peaked" in this cycle, or how may times has housing finance "tanked", or buying intentions "cratered", or consumer confidence been "smashed", and so on?</p>
<p>Every other month in each case, pretty much. </p>
<p>By drilling trendlines through the titles registry figures you can see that Queensland's mortgage and transfers market has ground its way through a long, slow recovery since bottoming around late 2011. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/15/QLD1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div id="post-body-8620627539950330204" class="post-body entry-content">
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<div>There was a blip in activity following APRA's initial salvo of macroprudential measures - and part of the increase in activity relates to a surge in multi-unit construction - but for now the uptrend in activity remains in place. </div>
<br><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Brisbane land values rise</span></strong></div>
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<div>The Queensland Government updated its annual land valuations for 2017 last week, which showed a very wide range of outcomes across the state.<br><br>The post-2012 malaise continues apace across many of the resources regions.<br><br>There was more excruciating news for Gladstone which recorded another massive 20.6 per cent drop in median land values (although the Mayor kindly noted that residents shouldn't expect a reduction in their rates bill).<br><br>Over the past four years Gladstone land values have recorded losses of -5.4 per cent, -14.6 per cent, -4.8 per cent, and -20.6 per cent respectively.<br><br>Brutal, with land prices declining to just $113,000,<br><br>Dwelling prices have often seen drops of well over 50 per cent since 2012, and in many case rents have fallen by at least an equivalent amount.<br><br>The news wasn't much brighter in Mackay which racked up a third year of declines, and the Central Highlands saw land values fall for a fourth year, while Rockhampton saw land prices fall by 8.7 per cent from the preceding valuation date.<br><br>Townsville has also recorded moderate declines across the last five years.<br><br>There were bright spots, though, with the Gold Coast recording another year of recovery, and land prices notching up solid gains in Brisbane City Council (BCC), with the usual variances at the suburb level.</div>
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<br>It is wise to exercise caution in interpreting suburb level median land values, not least because the Queensland Government rather likes to see those rateable land values rising for all-too-obvious reasons (though rates aren't based only on land valuations, the Government assures us!).<br><br>Changes in land use resulting from the BCC 2014 City Plan may also potentially skew the results in suburbs with increasing multi-unit development, for example.<br><br>Nevertheless, the figures are well worth a look, for the Valuer-General's figures logically cannot diverge too far from the reality over the long run.<br><br>Residential land values increased across some 132 Brisbane suburbs over the past year according to the 2017 report, although there were some declines in commercial and industrial valuations on the city fringe, according to the Valuer-General.<br><br>Over the past couple of years the greatest dollar value increases have largely been seen in the inner suburbs where land values are highest.<br><br>The following suburbs, for example, saw their median residential land values increase by $100,000 or more in only two years: New Farm, West End, Windsor, Wooloowin, Newmarket, Holland Park, Albion, Kedron, Annerley, Wilston, Carina Heights, and Carindale.<br><br>A vast wave of Chinese money has also seen Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills notch outlandish increases in land values since 2014, the pocket known as Brisbane's "Little Asia".</div>
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<br>The largest two-year gains in percentage terms have been driven by a popular school catchment, however.<br><br>Suburbs located within the Mansfield State High School (SHS) catchment saw land prices rise by between 37 and 43 percent over the two-year period, including in the suburb of Mansfield itself, Wishart, Mackenzie, and Upper Mount Gravatt. </div>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
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The good and the ugly behind Queensland's recovery: Pete Wargent

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVATION</div>
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<div>The average mortgage size in Queensland in the final quarter of 2018 took a leap from $424,000 to above $450,000, according to AFG's latest mortgage index.</div>
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<div>Evidently more southern state types are taking their borrowing capacity north to the Sunshine State. </div>
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<div>Overall lending volumes through AFG brokers were way down on a year earlier at a shade over $13 billion for the quarter.<br><br>The prior year comparative figure was $14.8 billion, some 12 per cent higher.</div>
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<div>Major lenders continue to leak market share at under 58 per cent of lodgement volumes, down from 78 per cent in 2013. </div>
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<div>With the share of investors in the market well down - and the share of interest-only lending also at the lowest level across the data series - a natural consequence of this is borrowers redirecting their borrowing capacity at larger home loans. </div>
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<div>Thanks to Queensland borrowers the average loan size nationally hit a fresh high level in the fourth quarter of 2018 at $509,162, up from $499,193 a year earlier.<br><br><span>The <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com/2019/01/loan-sizes-down-in-victoria-wa" target="_blank">ABS has noted</a> it has discontinued its figures on implied average loan sizes due to loan-splitting potentially understating the results. </span><br><span><br></span><span>According to Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) research only around 1 in 10 borrowers use their maximum borrowing capacity or something close to it, helping to explain how the average loan size can now be at a record high. </span>
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<span><br></span><span>In the RBA's own words "tighter lending standards do not constrain most borrowers, but do affect some".</span>
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<div><span><em><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></span></div>
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Average mortgage size leaps in Queensland: Pete Wargent

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<div>Another interesting article was written by the doyen of economic commentary Ross Gittins this weekend, in which he points out that the economy will look better once mining investment stops falling. </div>
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<div>The reversion in resources capital investment has long been flagged as a major downside risk for the Australian economy, or even as some kind of economic Armageddon.</div>
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<div>Engineering construction activity had declined by about 10 percent in the year to September 2015 to a quarterly value of around $25.4 billion, which is now some 24 per cent down from the peak of $33.6 billion.<br><br>Yet as highlighted by Gittins, despite this ongoing contraction the economy managed to grind out GDP growth of 2.5 per cent, helped by net exports and an increase in dwelling construction. Indeed, the non-mining economy grew by about 3 per cent.<br><br>I took a more detailed look at the components of GDP growth (and the troublesome decline in the terms of trade) over the year to September 2015.<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mining investment won't fall forever</span></strong><br><br>The good news noted by Gittins is that resources investment cannot continue to decline forever, and sooner or later the nadir will be reached.</div>
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<div>The latest available figures showed that the decline was reasonably well advanced by September 2015, although activity still remained well above its "normal" level, particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.</div>
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<br><div>As you can see in the chart above the good news for Queensland is that much of the decline had already taken place by September, with quarterly engineering construction activity declining by 42 per cent year-on-year to just $4.9 billion. </div>
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<div>This was a substantial 57 per cent below the September 2013 quarterly peak, when engineering construction activity hit a state record $11.5 billion. </div>
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<div>The September 2015 National Accounts showed state final demand (a measure of activity which excludes exports) in Queensland of -0.2 per cent marking a fifth consecutive quarterly decline for the Sunshine State, driven by an ongoing weakness in private gross fixed capital formation (declining non-dwelling construction) as large scale resources projects approached their completion.<br><br>This was a significant improvement on the -1.3 per cent decline in Queensland state final demand in the June 2015 quarter, and hearteningly the largest part of the decline in engineering construction activity is now in the rear view mirror.</div>
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<div>A great challenge for Western Australia (where quarterly engineering construction activity is still highly elevated at $10.3 billion) and the Northern Territory (miles above historic norms at $2 billion, due to the massive Inpex Ichthys LNG project), however, is that the great bulk of the decline in construction activity has yet to take place. </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Trade balance improving</span></strong></div>
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<div>It is worth noting that decline in resources construction is not in itself a bad thing: after all the whole point of constructing mining and resources projects is that they will eventually produce commodity exports (<em>reductio ad absurdum</em> if a decline in construction is a 'bad thing', we should never have partaken in a mining boom in the first instance).<br><br>A look at the latest International Trade figures shows that over the past three months Queensland has produced a positive trade balance of $1.2 billion per month, after churning out several negative prints in 2014. </div>
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<div>With the Gladstone natural gas venture now kicking into gear and the first shipments underway, GLNG exports will begin to make a welcome positive contribution in 2016, question marks over commodity price action notwithstanding.</div>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong><br><div> </div>
<div>The figures show that the decline in mining investment still has a way to run, but eventually the downturn will be complete and the remainder of the economy will enjoy rising commodity exports.<br><br>The biggest unknown factor is what will happen to commodity prices over the years ahead.<br><br>Queensland's economy has been through a rough trot since 2013 as resources investment has nosedived, knocking it down to sixth spot in the state rankings.<br><br>However, things should begin to pick up in time, and although population growth from net overseas migration has slowed, Queensland will be one of only two states (the other being Victoria) to benefit from <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/sydney-melbourne-dominate-population" target="_blank">net interstate migration</a>, particularly as more Sydneysiders opt to make the journey north. </div>
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<div>But if doom and gloom is your thing, fear not, for there will always be someone doing something stupid somewhere in the world, and in turn there will be something new to worry about: oil prices, China's property bubble, a Cyprus default, weapons in North Korea, the Ebola virus...</div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The week ahead!</span></strong></div>
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<div>An exciting week ahead! </div>
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<div>The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will leave interest rates on hold at 2 per cent on Tuesday afternoon (recall that it wasn't so very long ago that a rate cut by February was 100 per cent priced in). </div>
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<div>With the unemployment rate having declined from 6.4 per cent to 5.8 per cent and employment having reportedly grown by +2.6 per cent in 2015, another interest rate cut does remain fully priced in, but not until the fourth quarter of 2016.</div>
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<div>At the end of the week the RBA will also release its Statement on Monetary Policy (SOMP), within which it is expected that economic growth forecasts for 2015 will be revised up from 2.25 per cent to 2.5 per cent. </div>
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<div>Inflation forecasts on the other hand are likely to remain unchanged after this week's release showed that inflation is well under control. </div>
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<div>Also this week we will get the latest Building Approvals figures for December, which may show a bit of a bounce from last month's sharp drop, but we might expect to see the downtrend remaining in place.<br><br>
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<div>Finally there will be the latest International Trade figures to look forward to - expect to see a another substantial deficit in December of perhaps more than $3 billion, with low iron ore prices the key driver - and recall there was a wild explosion in rural exports (legumes boom!) last month, which surely cannot be repeated in December.<br><br><div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/02/02/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>The truth is still out there. Stay tuned, and have a great week! </div>
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<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
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Brighter days ahead for Queensland: Pete Wargent

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<p>A pick up in Queensland is being widely predicted, and SQM Research’s Louis Christopher expects 4% to 7% price rises for 2015.</p>
<p>However, there are still a number of properties in the state with strongly discounted homes.</p>
<p>Here are SQM Research’s top five vendor discounted properties in Queensland.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/townhouse/qld/morayfield/?adid=2011132763" target="_blank"><strong>15/35 Kenneth Street, Morayfield</strong></a></p>
<p><strong><img src="/images/2014/10/15/d1.jpg" alt=""></strong></p>
<p>Type: Townhouse</p>
<p>Current asking price: $239,000</p>
<p>Initial asking price: $340,000</p>
<p>Discount: 30%</p>
<p>Days on market: 169</p>
<p><a href="https://www.homesales.com.au/buy/19-aminya-street/hs562185.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>19 Aminya, Coochiemudlo Island</strong></a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2014/10/15/d2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Type: House</p>
<p>Current asking price: $329,000</p>
<p>Initial asking price: $465,000</p>
<p>Discount: 29%</p>
<p>Days on market: 1,462</p>
<p><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/qld/west-end/?adid=2010559610" target="_blank"><strong>8 Stagpole Street, West End</strong></a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2014/10/15/d3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Type: House</p>
<p>Current asking price: $850,000</p>
<p>Initial asking price: $1,200,000</p>
<p>Discount: 29%</p>
<p>Days on market: 455</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/rural/properties/18022" target="_blank"><strong>87 Coondooropa Drive, Macleay Island</strong></a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2014/10/15/d4.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Current asking price: $489,000</p>
<p>Initial asking price: $689,000</p>
<p>Discount: 29%</p>
<p>Days on market: 1,757</p>
<p><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/qld/narangba/?adid=2011192941" target="_blank"><strong>713 Old Gympie Road, Narangba</strong></a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2014/10/15/d5.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Type: Land</p>
<p>Current asking price: $319,000</p>
<p>Initial asking price: $449,000</p>
<p>Discount: 29%</p>
<p>Days on market: 134</p>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Despite predicted Queensland pick up, top five properties discounted by 26% plus

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<p>Earlier this year, Brisbane's cost of living was reported among the world's highest at 13th, based on a survey by Expatistan – a group that analyses world-wide cost of living data.</p>
<p>In terms of our capitals, Brisbane came in second, behind Sydney (11th); while Melbourne placed 18th, Perth 24th, Adelaide 25th and Canberra 26th.</p>
<p>Yet if we break out housing – a major component of the variables measured in the survey – Brisbane's housing price points may surprise many.</p>
<p>The fact is that the majority of home sales taking place across Brisbane are for a price tag of less than $400,000.</p>
<p>And a similar trend exists across most other Australian capitals as well, including Sydney and Melbourne – also in our regional centres.</p>
<p>While the perception may be otherwise, the reality is that most dwellings sold Australia-wide are for less than $500,000. A third sell for prices under $350,000.</p>
<p>When it comes to buying property, knowledge of location price points can be helpful for investors in terms of making better property choices and maximising future investment returns.</p>
<p>That's because knowing how many sales take place in a particular area and price category, can provide an indication as to how long a property might take to resell; and how much future promotion and resources might be required to achieve that sale.</p>
<p>Price points – along with other key criteria such as value, design, site, supply and demand – are something that investors really should pay more attention to, rather than generic price growth alone.</p>
<p>Another way of looking at price points is to visualise the market as being shaped like a pyramid, where sales volumes are diminishing as prices rise.</p>
<p>The point being that in general, the more you pay for a property, the fewer buyers there are to resell to in the future.</p>
<p>That's not to say that the top end housing market has not seen growth across Australia.</p>
<p>Today, one in 10 of our homes achieves over $1 million on sale, up from 3% 10 years ago.</p>
<p>And one in fifty homes sells for over $2 million, up from 0.7% a decade ago.</p>
<p>In Brisbane, these are the latest dwelling price points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Under $400,000 – 38%</li>
<li>$400,000 to $600,000 – 39%</li>
<li>$600,000 to $800,000 – 13%</li>
<li>$800,000 to $1 million – 6%</li>
<li>Over $1 million – 4%</li>
</ul>
<p>Investors, especially those just starting out, would be wise to consider buying property in the larger price brackets. The old adage of safety in numbers does apply.</p>
<p>It's important to remember, too, that price movement is not necessarily uniform across a market. Some price points move more than others and will change, depending on the position of the market in the property cycle.</p>
<p>Currently, in Brisbane's recovery market, here's what we are seeing:</p>
<ul>
<li>Properties priced below $350,000 have seen a 12% lift over the past three months</li>
<li>Those priced $500,000 to $1 million have increased more than 30%</li>
<li>And sales over $1 million are up an impressive 43%.</li>
</ul>
<p> <em>Visit Michael's <a href="https://matusik.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a>, read his <a href="https://matusik.com.au/missive/" target="_blank">blog</a>, follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelmatusik" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</em></p>
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

Forget generic price growth: it's time to take a closer look

<p>With the Brisbane property market in its strongest position in five years to generate price growth, first home buyers are increasingly interested in purchasing an inner-city apartment.</p>

<p>Brisbane&rsquo;s affordability, when compared to other cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, is helping boost demand.</p>

<p>Here are some of the most affordable prices for inner-city Brisbane apartments, whether you&rsquo;re a first home buyer or a smart investor.</p>

<p><strong>1.&nbsp;Silk One, Wolloongabba</strong><br />
One-bedroom apartments from $398,000<br />
Address: 825-847 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102</p>

<p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/silk-one-825-847-stanley-street-woolloongabba-9a6d5739b3a574becc1dba674a707b94.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/silk-one-825-847-stanley-street-woolloongabba-9a6d5739b3a574becc1dba674a707b94.jpg?itok=JZzB1lEG" width="580" /></a> <a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/maxresdefault-8.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/maxresdefault-8.jpg?itok=cAFUO6B6" width="580" /></a></p>

<p>Located in Woolloongabba, the home of the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the &lsquo;Gabba&rsquo;, Silk One comprises 177 one, two and three-bedroom apartments within walking distance to the Brisbane CBD. Designed by Nettleton Tribe Architects, the home features deep balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Brisbane River, CBD skyline and beyond.</p>

<p>Amenities within the project include a rooftop recreation deck, above ground secure car parking and office and retail space. It features Brisbane&rsquo;s first and only rooftop Skystand, overlooking the Gabba.</p>

<p>The second stage, Silk Lane, is expected to be release mid 2021.</p>

<p><strong>2. Renovar&eacute; Yeronga</strong><br />
One-bedroom apartments from $389,000<br />
Address: 174 Venner Road, Yeronga QLD 4104</p>

<p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/renovare-yeronga-174-venner-road-yeronga-866298801bd136000c51763a32678665_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/renovare-yeronga-174-venner-road-yeronga-866298801bd136000c51763a32678665_0.jpg?itok=qhpuYj8z" width="580" /></a></p>

<p>Delivered by the Gardner Vaughan Group, the eco-friendly development in the heart of Yeronga offers 30 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Achieving a five-leaf rating of sustainability from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), the residence has a positive impact on the environment and the community.</p>

<p>Adjoining the Fehlberg Park, residents will enjoy parklands, heated pool, green spaces, community herb garden and entertaining facilities.</p>

<p><strong>3. The Coterie, Fortitude Valley</strong><br />
One-bedroom apartments from $383,880<br />
Address: 365 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006</p>

<p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_coterie_height.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_coterie_height.png?itok=DotIm28U" width="580" /></a></p>

<p>Located in the culturally rich inner-city suburb of Fortitude Valley, the Coterie stands as two residential towers comprising of 249 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across 27 floors.</p>

<p>Designed by Rothelowman and Bruce Henderson Architects, the home offers open-plan designs, floor-to-ceiling windows, oak floorboards and white joinery. The residences offer views over the Brisbane CBD, private outdoor spaces and exclusive amenities, including a private rooftop retreat, landscaped gardens and a swimming pool.</p>

<p><strong>4. Mary Lane, Brisbane</strong><br />
One-bedroom apartments from $460,000<br />
Address: 111 Mary Street, Brisbane QLD 4000</p>

<p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mary-lane-111-mary-street-brisbane-cc34014d8017a299485caee03c3c9f70.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mary-lane-111-mary-street-brisbane-cc34014d8017a299485caee03c3c9f70.jpg?itok=fz03Itfv" width="580" /></a> <a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/retail_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/retail_0.jpg?itok=hPRQUCg_" width="580" /></a></p>

<p>Mary Lane sits in the centre of Brisbane, offering 167 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations. For just $460,000, residents will have access to private amenities, such as a residents-only foyer, terrace pool, gym and function room. Although its perched above the Westin Hotel, the foyer and lifts remain separate.</p>

<p>One-bedroom apartments in the development feature floor-to-ceiling glass, a balcony and a full-size kitchen with quality appliances.</p>

<p><strong>5. M Apartments, Kangaroo Point</strong><br />
One-bedroom apartments from $415,000<br />
Address: 699 Main Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169</p>

<p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/m-apartments-699-main-street-kangaroo-point-c99c5000b79cae57bd60d9c2a196333e.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m-apartments-699-main-street-kangaroo-point-c99c5000b79cae57bd60d9c2a196333e.jpg?itok=qMqE1wEc" width="580" /></a></p>

<p>M Apartments is a new addition to Brisbane&rsquo;s Kangaroo Point and is only moments to the Woolloongabba dining precinct and the Brisbane CBD. The development offers 46 one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as three commercial properties located on the ground floor.</p>

<p>Amenities within the project include rooftop entertainment deck, timber flooring and a communal barbeque area with views over the surrounding suburbs.</p>


Here are five of the most affordable entry prices for inner-city Brisbane apartments

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